MARGAO
Ambaulim SC booked their place in the semifinals of the 25th Benaulim Panchayat Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Cortalim Gymkhana at the St John the Baptist Panchayat Ground, Benaulim. The tournament is being organised by Dando Boys Club Benaulim.
The match got off to an energetic start, with both teams enjoying spells of possession and creating scoring opportunities. Ambaulim found the breakthrough in the 18th minute when the in-form Joel Barretto finished confidently to give his side the lead.
Cortalim responded well and created several chances in search of an equaliser but were unable to make them count, allowing Ambaulim to take a slender 1-0 advantage into the interval.
After the break, Ambaulim dominated proceedings, with Joel Barretto and Sowell Fernandes constantly troubling the Cortalim defence through their pace and attacking intent. Despite Cortalim's efforts to get back into the game, Ambaulim's defence, marshalled superbly by Crimson, remained resolute throughout.
The scoreline could have been wider, but Cortalim goalkeeper Franjoy Fernandes produced a string of excellent saves to keep his side in contention. However, Ambaulim held firm to secure a deserved 1-0 victory and a place in the last four.
Joel Barretto of Ambaulim SC was adjudged Man of the Match and received the award from Andrew Ferrao, GFA Executive Committee member and proprietor of City Sports, Fatorda.
